Unit 2: Composition & framing
Fashion Photography notes · PTU syllabus (BSTD 208-20)
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Unit summary
Composition decides how a viewer reads a photograph. This unit covers composition rules, framing, camera angles and shots, white balance and the use of colour theory.
After this unit you can
- Apply the rule of thirds and framing
- Select camera angles and shot sizes
- Set white balance for different light
- Use colour theory in styling
PTU syllabus topics
- Rules
- compositions and framing in photography
- camera angles and shots
- white balance and colour theory
Rule of thirds
Subject on the grid lines
Leading lines
Guide the eye
Framing
Use doors, arches
Negative space
Room to breathe
Angles
High, low, eye level
Topic 1
Rules of composition
- Rule of thirds
- Divide the frame into a 3×3 grid and place the subject on a line or intersection
- Leading lines
- Lines that guide the eye to the subject
- Framing
- Using doorways or branches to surround the subject
- Symmetry and pattern
- Repetition for strong images
- Negative space
- Empty area that gives the subject room
- Fill the frame
- Close detail of a fabric or garment
Place eyes or the garment focal point on an intersection rather than the centre
Topic 2
Angles, shots and white balance
| Shot | Shows | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme close-up | Texture, buttons | Fabric detail |
| Close-up | Face and shoulders | Make-up, necklines |
| Medium | Waist up | Tops and jackets |
| Full length | Whole body | Complete outfit |
| Long shot | Subject within environment | Lifestyle campaigns |
A low angle makes the subject taller and stronger, a high angle makes the subject smaller, and an eye-level shot is neutral. White balance adjusts colour so that white looks white: daylight about 5500 K, shade about 7000 K, tungsten about 3000 K, fluorescent about 4000 K. Wrong white balance gives orange (too warm) or blue (too cool) casts.
Topic 3
Colour theory in photography
Use the colour wheel: complementary colours (blue against orange) make a bold image; analogous colours give harmony; neutral backgrounds let garment colours stand out.
Key terms
- Rule of thirds
- Placing the subject on grid lines
- White balance
- Colour correction for light
- Low angle
- Camera below the subject
- Leading line
- Line that directs the eye
- Negative space
- Empty area around the subject
Quick revision
- Thirds, leading lines, framing, negative space.
- Shot sizes: close-up to long shot.
- White balance matches colour temperature.
Important exam questions
Practice questions written to the PTU exam pattern for this unit's syllabus: short answers (Section A style) and long answers (Sections B and C style).
Short-answer questions
- Q1.State the rule of thirds.
- Q2.What is white balance?
- Q3.When is a low angle used?
- Q4.Name three shot sizes.
Long-answer questions
- Q1.Explain the rules of composition with examples from fashion photography.
- Q2.Discuss camera angles, shots and white balance.
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